Attending or participating in a race of any kind holds a special attraction for millions of people worldwide. The competitive spirit of people has been apparent since history was first recorded by man. Roman chariot races and numerous types of horse races have been tracked through time by historians throughout the world. Sprint car dirt track racing provides the perfect addition to history's high speed and risky racing record.
This style of race has a wide fan base and spectators often feel the excitement generated by their favorite driver during the race. The cars move at nearly one hundred fifty miles per hour and it is nonstop action on the track. Some race tracks are only an eighth of a mile in distance while others can range up to a mile in length.
Once the car and driver have registered to participate in a race there can be no substitutions of either. They are a team and if either component cannot perform they will be disqualified from the race. This rule includes the vehicle meeting all directives required by the vehicle specifications division of track and sanctioning bodies of each race.
In 1958 Jim Cushman designed what he called wings for these cars. This concept was to place scoop shaped wings on the top and rear of the vehicle to create stronger down force, or drafts, for them which helps to keep the cars from becoming air born during the race. This aide in preventing the cars from flipping over while they race. Side wings were then devised to help with steering them during the frequent turns on tracks. These wings became common place during the early 1970s and added extra safety features by protecting a driver should his vehicle actually flip over during the race.
In an effort to protect drivers several safety upgrades have been initiated in last ten years. Roll cages have become mandatory for these racers. There is also a seven point safety harness that is recommended and it must be less than two years old. Head rests, neck and head braces and full cover helmets have also been installed. The driving suits and gloves must be double strength and fire retardant. A special metal netting is required over the roll cage openings to prevent rocks and debris from entering the cab and striking the driver.
Many top notch NASCAR drivers started their careers in this type of competition. After a few years they make the transition by obtaining sponsors and up grading the type of vehicle they use. Some maintain their licenses and race in both arenas. The initial draw becomes an intricate part of their beings.
Individual sanctioning bodies generally require drivers to maintain licenses in their organization prior to racing with them. Since there are several different bodies it is not unusual for a driver to belong to more than one at a time. There are fees that are required prior to each race that must be paid by the driver who registers.
There has been spotty television of these races over the past thirty years. Some stations have signed contracts with specific sanctioned race organizations and for various reasons either not finished the seasons or not continued the contracts for following seasons. These races can currently be seen on Speed TV using tape delayed replay.
This style of race has a wide fan base and spectators often feel the excitement generated by their favorite driver during the race. The cars move at nearly one hundred fifty miles per hour and it is nonstop action on the track. Some race tracks are only an eighth of a mile in distance while others can range up to a mile in length.
Once the car and driver have registered to participate in a race there can be no substitutions of either. They are a team and if either component cannot perform they will be disqualified from the race. This rule includes the vehicle meeting all directives required by the vehicle specifications division of track and sanctioning bodies of each race.
In 1958 Jim Cushman designed what he called wings for these cars. This concept was to place scoop shaped wings on the top and rear of the vehicle to create stronger down force, or drafts, for them which helps to keep the cars from becoming air born during the race. This aide in preventing the cars from flipping over while they race. Side wings were then devised to help with steering them during the frequent turns on tracks. These wings became common place during the early 1970s and added extra safety features by protecting a driver should his vehicle actually flip over during the race.
In an effort to protect drivers several safety upgrades have been initiated in last ten years. Roll cages have become mandatory for these racers. There is also a seven point safety harness that is recommended and it must be less than two years old. Head rests, neck and head braces and full cover helmets have also been installed. The driving suits and gloves must be double strength and fire retardant. A special metal netting is required over the roll cage openings to prevent rocks and debris from entering the cab and striking the driver.
Many top notch NASCAR drivers started their careers in this type of competition. After a few years they make the transition by obtaining sponsors and up grading the type of vehicle they use. Some maintain their licenses and race in both arenas. The initial draw becomes an intricate part of their beings.
Individual sanctioning bodies generally require drivers to maintain licenses in their organization prior to racing with them. Since there are several different bodies it is not unusual for a driver to belong to more than one at a time. There are fees that are required prior to each race that must be paid by the driver who registers.
There has been spotty television of these races over the past thirty years. Some stations have signed contracts with specific sanctioned race organizations and for various reasons either not finished the seasons or not continued the contracts for following seasons. These races can currently be seen on Speed TV using tape delayed replay.
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